K-pop sickfics/hurtfics

Yeonjun TXT - Kidney failure

1300 words

Yeonjun could feel the early morning's chill in his bones as he slipped into the clinic. The sky outside was still dim : the city was just beginning to wake up. Dialysis was a quiet, draining routine by now, but it was something he'd come to expect. So had the others, especially Soobin, who always came with him to keep him company and make sure he had some warmth and support during the sessions.

Soobin settled into the chair beside Yeonjun, trying to look relaxed and hide his own concern. The nurses moved around Yeonjun with practiced efficiency, setting up the equipment with gentle hands. His catheter, which extended from his chest and made it easier to connect to the machine without repeated needle sticks, was always a bit uncomfortable, but he'd gotten used to it. He could see the shadow of it through his shirt, a small reminder of the exhausting road he was on, but his stylists always made sure it stayed hidden on stage.

The clinic was quiet, save for the soft hum of the dialysis machine as it began its work. Yeonjun let out a breath, wincing slightly at the initial chill of the connection. The machine began purifying his blood, cycling out the toxins his kidneys could no longer handle. He'd be here for about four hours, tethered to the machine and left with his thoughts- or, luckily, with Soobin beside him. The silence was heavy, but somehow, Soobin made it lighter, tapping his fingers to a silent beat on the arm of his chair, quietly humming some of their songs.

"Feeling okay today?" Soobin finally asked, his voice soft and full of that caring warmth Yeonjun had come to rely on.

Yeonjun shrugged, smiling slightly despite the exhaustion. "As okay as you can be, hooked up to this thing," he joked, though his eyes betrayed the lingering fatigue.

Soobin nodded, offering Yeonjun a small protein bar and some water for when he'd need it later. He knew that once dialysis was done, they'd head straight to the studio for their daily schedule. Yeonjun didn't like to slow down, even on the hardest days. He wanted to pull his weight, wanted to keep up with the others. It was who he was.

But Soobin could see the toll it was taking. His friend's hands felt cold and slightly shaky as he passed him the protein bar. "We'll take it slow today," Soobin assured, trying to offer some comfort.

Yeonjun just gave a determined smile. "As slow as practice will let us."

The bright lights of the practice room felt like they amplified everything : the beats, the sweat, the aching in his muscles. Every mirror in the room reflected back the familiar sight of the group, working through each step with laser focus. Yeonjun had insisted on practicing as usual, but his body was slower to respond. Dialysis always took a toll, leaving him drained in a way that he could never fully shake off.

They'd gone through the choreography a few times when his chest started to feel tight, his legs just a little heavier than they should. He fought the urge to sit down, forcing himself to keep up as best as he could, but Taehyun noticed his slowed movements almost immediately.

"Yeonjun-hyung, take a breather," Taehyun called out, gesturing toward the benches at the side.

Yeonjun hesitated but felt his chest aching in a way that he couldn't ignore. He nodded and made his way over, settling down with a sigh, grateful for the break but frustrated with himself. The others kept practicing, but Beomgyu came over, sitting beside him quietly. They didn't need to say anything, Beomgyu's presence was enough.

"You're doing great, hyung," Beomgyu finally said, nudging him lightly with his shoulder. "No one expects you to be at 100% right now."

Yeonjun glanced over, managing a small smile. "Yeah, but I expect myself to be."

Beomgyu just laughed lightly, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, well, that's exactly why we're here to remind you you're still human." He paused, looking serious for a moment. "It's okay to rest. You'll still be Yeonjun, even if you take it easy."

Yeonjun exhaled, nodding. He watched the others run through the steps, determined to join back in soon. His friends didn't need to say anything more, they'd support him, even when he couldn't keep up. And with that support, he found the strength to get back up, rejoining the group for the next run-through, still giving it everything he had.

They were in the middle of filming a lighthearted variety show when Yeonjun's phone buzzed in his pocket. He rarely checked it during shoots, but something made him glance at the screen. The number displayed sent a chill through him : it was the hospital.

Excusing himself, he stepped outside, pressing the phone to his ear with a slightly trembling hand. His heart pounded as he listened to the voice on the other end.

"Yeonjun? We have a kidney match for you."

The words didn't fully sink in at first, but when they did, he felt a wave of emotions : relief, excitement, and even a bit of fear. He ended the call and found the rest of the group, who'd already sensed something big was happening.

Yeonjun's expression said it all. "It's time," he managed, his voice shaking with equal parts anxiety and joy.

The group closed in, hugging him tightly, their voices a mix of encouragement and heartfelt congratulations. They knew what this meant - for Yeonjun and for all of them. They'd watched him struggle for so long, felt the weight he carried even if he tried to hide it.

The next few days went by in a blur, the surgery and the initial recovery all blending together. The surgery was a success, and as Yeonjun settled into the hospital bed, he allowed himself to think about the future, a future where he might finally be able to live without the constant need for dialysis, where he could give his all without worrying about his body giving out.

He'd have six weeks of bed rest and eight more of strict restrictions after that, but he was ready to face it all, knowing his friends and his future awaited him on the other side.

Eight weeks had come and gone. When Yeonjun finally returned to the dorm, it felt surreal. The space felt the same, yet everything felt different. The members had decorated his room with balloons and a banner welcoming him back, their smiles wide as they watched him step inside.

"Welcome home, hyung!" Hueningkai grinned, practically bouncing in excitement. The warmth of their welcome was overwhelming, and Yeonjun couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude.

He was back, but life was different now. Every morning, he took his anti-rejection medication, a reminder of the life-changing surgery he'd undergone. He'd have to be careful with his health, make sure not to push himself too hard, but he was okay with that. It was a small price to pay for the freedom he now had.

His first time back at dance practice, he took things slow, letting himself ease into the movements. He felt lighter, his body finally working with him instead of against him, but he also knew he had limits he couldn't ignore. When he paused to catch his breath, he noticed the others slowing down with him, a silent promise that they'd be right there by his side.

"Just promise you'll pace yourself," Soobin said, handing him a bottle of water and smiling softly. "We need you here with us, for a long time."

Yeonjun nodded, feeling the weight of that promise settle in his chest, but it was one he was ready to keep. For his own sake, and for theirs.

And for the first time in a long time, he allowed himself to feel fully hopeful, ready to embrace every step of the journey forward, with his friends beside him.

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